Chapter 75: Reunion
The moment I confirmed that man, Estoc or whatever his name was, was chasing me, I ran deeper and deeper into the forest.
I was so close to piercing his head, but that perfect shot missed.
In that case, my priority now is to create distance. I believed buying time was the best course of action.
This should be fine. Rui’s father was able to safely rendezvous with the national army.
Now, I wonder if it’s alright for me to go after Rui…
Just as I thought that, I sensed a presence behind me. When I turned around, there he was—that man.
The man with a disgusting, frivolous smile.
“That little prank of yours earlier? I can’t just let that slide, you know?”
The shot I fired with perfect timing, putting all my strength into it, to save Royce-sama from danger.
As a result, his cheek was deeply gashed.
“I’m glad you’re such a fool that you can’t understand priorities. Now, if I just buy some time, it’s our victory.”
“Ahaha, are you seeing reality clearly? By then, you won’t be in this world anymore, though?”
“Hmph, that would be my greatest wish. Too bad for you.”
He looked as if he couldn’t understand my words, so I pointed the muzzle of my gun at him.
I couldn’t afford to be taken down immediately, so I fired and simultaneously created distance.
“Don’t think such a worthless toy will work on me forever.”
Excuse me…?
Rui’s gun, a toy?
His words were so absurd that I reflexively leaped into his range—even as he was closing in at an abnormal speed—and fired my gun wildly.
However, the moment I fired, he was no longer there.
“Such an unteachable brat. Did you really think you could land a hit by throwing your life away?”
“—!?”
As I took a defensive stance in the direction of the voice, I was sent flying by a slash.
I somehow managed to reduce the damage, but my gun was smashed, and the explosive Magic Tool rolled away.
I knew it, but he’s strong.
Having lost the Magic Tool, I can’t make any more guns.
Resigned, I switched to my usual armament and readied my sword.
“Haha, useless, useless. I’m not playing around anymore. Didn’t I say I wouldn’t forgive you?”
“Are you alright in the head? Do you seriously think there’s any value whatsoever in the forgiveness of a man who’s only good at torturing people to death?”
When I posed the question, he fell silent and readied his weapon.
“You’ve run out of things to say, so you have no choice but to resume combat, I see. I understand.”
“Ahaha, fine by me. I’ll give you a little time. Let’s see if you can say the same thing while suffering the agony of death, shall we?”
What an easily provoked man…
The more pain I endure, the more time I can buy.
Still, I do want to land at least one blow on him. The First Sword, Secret Art… I wonder if I can use it now?
“Then I shall say the same thing. If that leads to a result that doesn’t please you.”
“Many get carried away like that, but there hasn’t been one who didn’t break. But this time, I don’t have much time, so I’ll just carve you up appropriately and be done with it. Ahaha, see? My forgiveness did have meaning. You can’t buy time anymore.”
I’m already buying time with this exchange… but I’d better not say it out loud. To buy even a little more time.
“It can’t be helped. Please, go ahead.”
“Oh? Then I won’t hold back.”
The moment he said that, his feet glowed again. That’s the signal for his movement speed to skyrocket.
If I’m forced onto the defensive, it has to be the Third Sword, Circular Technique. The one that didn’t work last time. But it’s all I know.
So, I have no choice but to predict. There’s no doubt this man has a strong desire to make his opponents submit. He shouldn’t move to crush the Circular Technique itself with a standard heavy weapon. In that case, he’ll likely aim to sever my joints.
Based on that thought, I instantly moved my sword to the side he’d likely target, using it like a shield along my joints, but in that moment, a strong impact sent me flying again.
Indeed, his physical strength is too different; I was made to understand that landing a blow with the Circular Technique is impossible.
Well then, shall I do it?
I’ve never used it in actual combat, but…
When I sprang up and took a Seigan stance, this time he came running for a normal follow-up attack.
If I can clearly see his preparatory movements, there’s still a chance.
I imagine Magical Power coursing through my entire body, all of it connected. The force from an attack flows like wind, like water, towards any available outlet. I manipulate that outlet, that escape route, and channel the enemy’s power into my own sword strike.
A careless downward swing from an overhead stance, simply running straight in for a follow-up. This is probably a feint. This man seems to have high pride; after I blocked him earlier, this is a bit too sloppy.
Just as I expected, he made his feet glow and, while feigning a downward swing, rotated and forcibly changed it into a horizontal sweeping attack.
Now, even if I can absorb some of the force, taking an attack at this speed would be a fatal blow for me too. The First Sword has no defensive capabilities, after all. If I thicken my gauntlets, perhaps I can get away with just losing an arm…
Feeling strangely calm, I held the sword from my Seigan stance with one hand and thrust my arm out in front of the slash.
Naturally, my arm was severed and went flying through the air.
However, he had no way to stop my attack either. Thanks to channeling power beyond my body’s capacity, I was swung around by the momentum as my overhead strike plunged into the ground.
It’s worth trying, isn’t it? I never thought it would go this well—
Huh…? He’s not here…?
I swung straight down from above. He wouldn’t have been sent flying.
I understood instantly. It didn’t hit.
Was it no good again…?
Just as I thought that, I heard a voice.
“…What was that just now? That was a blow on par with one of the Twelve Generals.”
Lifting my face in disappointment, I saw the man, his Maso torn, an expression of impatience on his face.
Apparently, judging by the wound, it was just a scratch, barely skin-deep. It seems his Magical Power offset most of it.
I, on the other hand, have lost an arm, and blood is gushing out. It wasn’t entirely in vain, but the price was far too great.
“If you can even dodge that, then I’m at a complete loss…”
Apparently, he didn’t seem like he was going to attack immediately.
So, I used a handkerchief to staunch the bleeding.
“That’s not what I’m asking! I’m saying that’s not a blow some small fry could deliver!
Oh well… It’s not like it’s undodgeable if I’m cautious.”
After that, he switched to a strategy that utilized his speed.
Hit-and-run attacks as he passed by. With him maneuvering at speeds so fast it was hard to even keep him in my sights, I had no way to counter and was unilaterally carved up.
Fortunately, they weren’t full-power strikes. I managed to disperse the force and barely continue avoiding fatal wounds.
However, it would be over soon. My Maso was being stripped away, and my body was continuously being slashed.
Due to the pain and dizziness from blood loss, my legs finally gave out.
“—! Ah…”
The end came abruptly.
I had completely exposed an opening.
The man stopped in front of me, assuming a thrusting stance.
This is… I won’t make it in time…
The tip of his blade, slowly approaching my throat, seemed to move in extreme slow motion.
Ah, with this, I can go to Rui’s side.
I’ll no longer have to suffer the pain of wanting to see him but being unable to, or live in the sorrow of loss.
Just as I thought that and was about to slowly close my eyes, I was enveloped in a pure white light.
Surprised, my consciousness snapped awake, and I opened my eyes wide. As the light subsided, Rui, with wings, descended before me.
Eh…?
Why is Rui here?
I can tell just from his back. Rui, who has become an angel, came to save me.
No, this is a dream, right? Something this convenient can’t possibly happen…
But, if it’s Rui, maybe he could make even such an impossible thing a reality.
Nn-no. It doesn’t matter if it’s a dream or anything else.
I’ve wanted to see you for so long. Just being able to see you is enough.
I’ve always wanted to apologize.
Because I didn’t kill that utterly finished man (Julian Ristol), I ended up dragging Rui into this.
“Rui… I’m sorry. I… I’ve dragged you into this again…”
I remembered that the arm I tried to extend was missing, and just as I tried to hide it, I was suddenly overcome by a strong wave of dizziness.
Why? Why is my timing always so bad?
Just from staying up all night, and losing a little blood…
Move, please!!
I can’t… I can’t lose consciousness here, at a time like this…
As my consciousness faded, I kept my gaze on Rui’s back. He was creating an overly enormous gun and had effortlessly floated dozens of Magic Circles in the air.
Ah, that’s unmistakably Rui.
The thought enveloped me in a strong sense of relief, and lulled by that relaxation, my consciousness was forcibly dragged down.
I should have sent someone this way.
Even as I thought that, I raced through the forest, firing magic and my gun repeatedly as I advanced deeper.
They’re still fighting here. Seeing the flow of people, I judged I should head deeper, to where the enemy density was higher, to provide support, and so I dashed deep into the enemy lines.
Then, shortly after passing the spot where the rescue flare had gone up, I saw the Marquis’s group.
I heard voices arguing about something and enhanced my hearing.
“We don’t have time for that! Let go of me! Yurisia-jouchan is in danger!
She’s… she’s something Rui wanted to protect!!”
“Then we shall go! Please wait until the soldiers arrive! Until then, please wait!”
Hearing that voice, a chill ran down my spine.
Yuri is… in danger?
Wait, what have I been doing all this time!?
What was I even here for until now?
N-No! That’s not what matters right now!!
“Where is Yuri!!! I’ll go!! Tell me the direction!!!”
The man glanced at me once before, even while being restrained by Marquis Arbane and the others, he pointed deep into the forest.
I leaped up towards that direction and blasted the wind Magic Tool with all my might.
As I was battered by tree branches, I pushed for more and more speed. An impact sound of something hitting the ground echoed, and as I corrected my trajectory towards it, I quickly saw Yuri.
She was bleeding from all over her body and had suffered injuries so severe she’d lost an arm.
The moment I saw her like that, I felt the blood in my entire body boil.
“Ah, AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”
Just as she was about to be wounded again, the distance was too great.
I wouldn’t make it in time.
What can I do right now!?
What means do I have to stop them from killing Yuri!?
Damn it! All I have is unreliable Light Magic!
I instantly transformed my wings, forcibly bringing myself to a sudden halt, and aimed Light Magic at Yuri. As soon as the Magic Circle formed, I flew again, closing in on Yuri.
Sure enough, the bastard trying to kill Yuri made his feet glow.
At that instant, I activated the Light Magic I had on standby.
Even if I temporarily strip him of his Maso, there’s no guarantee Yuri won’t be attacked if things stay like this.
Hurry! While that bastard’s movements are stopped!!
As I desperately flew and rushed over with all my might, it seemed he had chosen to create some distance, so Yuri was spared further injury.
But there’s no point if I look away now and get myself killed.
Should I grab Yuri and fly away to escape?
No, he wouldn’t just leave me alone during the time it would take to fly up.
That bastard Ignat was also terrifyingly fast. Judging from this guy’s movements just now, it’s impossible.
No, before that… can I really just leave this trash bastard be?
I should kill him, for starters…
He hurt Yuri this much…
I’ll never forgive him. I’ll kill him.
Damn it, I should be calmly looking for a way out, but my head is about to explode with anger…
Ah, it’s a simple matter, isn’t it?
I just need to kill that bastard quickly.
That’s right, why am I chickening out thinking about running away?
I’ve even got an Elixir stashed inside me, so I can even pull off a suicide attack.
I can kill him easily, can’t I…
In that case, to ensure Yuri’s safety as quickly as possible, I need to kill him immediately.
“Rui… I’m sorry. I… I dragged you into this again…”
Hearing the voice I’d longed for from behind me, I almost turned around, but ensuring Yuri’s safety is the top priority right now.
I can’t show any openings to the enemy.
First, I enveloped her body with Maso, then used Mana Manipulation to lift her and make her drink an Elixir.
“It’s okay. I’ll absolutely, absolutely protect you, so just wait a little, okay?”
As I said that, I simultaneously created a huge Gun, set Light Magic on standby on the ground, and made lightning magic float sporadically in the air.
“Why are you on this side… Ah, seeing those wounds and your face, you ran away, huh?
Is that fine? Lord Ignat is probably invading Belfast right about now, you know?”
“…I already took down that damn pretty boy.
In any case, don’t think you’ll get an easy death after hurting Yuri, you hear?”
Perhaps due to anger, I felt no fear at all.
The heightened emotions were making the surrounding Magical Power visible on its own, but there seemed to be no issue with controlling it.
My vision was a little blurry, but figuring it would work out somehow as long as control wasn’t an issue, I extended pure, invisible Magical Power forward, expanding my territory.
With this, I can instantly manipulate the drop point of the lightning magic.
“You defeated Lord Ignat…!?”
“Shut up, trash. That doesn’t matter. Just die already.”
For starters, I fired the cannon-like Gun as a preemptive strike.
“I’ve already seen that—!? What!?”
He blocked it with his sword and staggered, so thinking it was a good chance, I activated lightning magic, but he dodged it at the very last second.
That movement magic again, huh? What a troublesome spell.
But, I’ve mostly figured it out now.
Thanks to his Mana Manipulation being worse than that pretty boy’s, its activation time is a little longer.
I’d really prefer to investigate it a bit more before using it, but I should be able to at least activate it.
No, I should also work on copying it simultaneously.
And so, I returned the Gun to Magical Power and took out the Laser Gun.
I activated lightning magic to make him use his spell, then damaged the outer frame of the Magic Circle at his feet with the Laser Gun.
His evasion was slow and he took half the hit, so I pressed the attack further.
“Kuh, just how many secret arts are you hiding… It seems I should retreat for now.”
“Huh? You think I’m gonna let you escape at this point?”
As I dropped lightning from behind to corner him, he used movement magic again, this time closing in on me.
“Ahahahaha, you fell for it, idiot! If I can bring this to close combat, it’s my win!”
“…Can you not even see what’s at your own feet?”
Ignoring the sword being swung at me, I activated the Light Magic I had on standby, and when I punched that trash bastard with all my might, he went rolling out of range.
“D-Don’t mess with me! Why is the Magic Circle still intact after using all that magic!?
That’s impossible! —!? My Magical Power… is this all that’s left!?”
He was remaking the Maso erased by the Light Magic and reaching for his Backpack, but apparently, that had run out too.
That was convenient, so I shredded his Maso with the Laser Gun. He panicked and started to run, but I couldn’t let this guy escape.
This guy, I will absolutely kill.
However, I can’t leave Yuri’s side either.
So, I rapidly fired off dozens of Earth Walls, surrounding myself and him with stone walls.
“!? M-Monster!!”
“A monster, huh… So that’s how I look to you, like a monster-class being.
Ah, I like that. Being called that by you, whom I want to kill no matter what, isn’t bad at all.
Despair as much as possible before you die.”
Pouring all my Magical Power into movement magic on top of a full power enhancement, I approached at top speed and landed a body blow, sending him flying to slam into the Earth Wall.
I followed up with a kick, and the Earth Wall shattered, sending him tumbling while coughing up blood.
He got up and immediately made his feet glow, but I stopped him with Light Magic, then used my own movement magic to close the distance and kick him up again.
Ah, this is bad.
I should end this quickly, but I want to torture him to death even more.
I know it’s a useless act that breeds carelessness.
But, I can’t hold back…
Just then, I sensed people.
Apparently, the Marquis and his group were watching.
Ah, so they’re alright over there now, huh…
“Wh-Why do you have the Empire’s secret art…”
“Because you were using it like an idiot, over and over, so I copied it.
When I meet the Empire guys, I’ll tell them. That you taught it to me.”
“That’s… that’s ridiculous… Impossible. It has to be a lie!”
“Escaping reality, are we? Then keep at it until you die.”
With those words as his last, I continued to beat him, making full use of movement magic.
When he stopped moving, I pinned him with Maso, used Water Wall to make him drown and jolt him back to consciousness, and continued to beat him endlessly, without stopping, until he was completely dead.
After a while, when I understood he was truly dead, I suddenly snapped back to my senses.
I have to get to Yuri quickly.
I immediately dispelled the Earth Wall and ran to Yuri’s side.
Pulling her into a tight embrace, I checked her heartbeat and breath, dispelling my anxiety. As I gazed at her innocent face, earnestly wishing for her to wake up, I noticed drops falling, plip plop, onto her face.
Apparently, I had been crying the whole time. There were wet spots dotted on my clothes.
When a drop fell onto her eyelid, her eyes slowly opened.
Thank goodness…
I’m so glad you woke up properly…
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry I was late…”
Regret overflowed, and though there were so many things I wanted to say, only apologies came out.
“Rui… Thank goodness. You were… still here for me.
I’m always just being saved by you… I’m sorry.
In the end, I couldn’t do anything…”
I denied it, saying I was the one who couldn’t do anything, but Yurisia, shedding tears, insisted, “No, it was me.”
Her unchanging words simply made my own tears overflow.
I could strongly feel that she was here with me.
“I’ve… I’ve wanted to see you for so long.”
I finally managed to say the words I wanted to say the most.
“Those are my lines.
I love you, Rui…”
That’s how I feel too…
Eh…!?
Lo- Lo- Lo… Love!? !?
“――――!? I-I do too!!
I worked hard and got stronger, and I even became a little bit rich.
Next time, I’ll definitely protect you, and I’ll be gentle! If you need power or wealth, I’ll get them!
So… So please go out with me!”
Until just a little while ago, I’d been thinking I should just charge ahead and damn the consequences. But now that she was actually in front of me, the fear that I wouldn’t be able to bear it if I “crashed and burned” grew stronger, and I ended up blurting things out pointlessly and awkwardly.
Anxiety that I might have disillusioned her ran through me, but seeing Yuri’s gentle expression, warmth filled my heart.
“Fufu, you still remembered that condition?”
“But, I’m happy…”
“Aah, what a wonderfully convenient dream world this is.”
“It’s unfair that I’m getting sleepy even though it’s a dream… I want to stay with you longer.”
“Since this is such a rare chance, I want to be thoroughly spoiled before the dream ends… It’s okay if it’s in a dream, right?”
“Ehehe, Rui, please give me a kiss!”
Yuri, who had been giving me a gentle smile, slowly closed her eyes, tilted her chin up slightly, and offered her lips.
Gasp!?
I-Is it really okay? I’m gonna do it, okay?
While feeling a little uneasy at her words “in a dream,” I slowly brought my face closer and our lips met.
A kiss.
They say it has a certain taste or feels good, but the very first thing I felt was heartfelt tranquility and pure happiness.
As I continued for a while, wishing we could stay like this forever, she began to breathe softly in her sleep.